TALLAHASSEE, FL – The NAACP Florida State Conference released the following statement in response to last week’s House vote to repeal the “Stand Your Ground” law.

From Adora Obi Nweze, President of the NAACP Florida State Conference:

It is appalling and inexcusable that the Florida House would allow this disastrous law to remain on our books. Stand Your Ground has transformed our state into the Wild West, giving aggressors incentive to shoot first. This problem is compounded by the racial bias in too many communities that views all young Black men as dangerous.

It is even more disappointing that many of the legislators that claim to represent us in the legislature abandoned the interests of their constituents at such a critical time.

This fight is not over. The NAACP is committed to bringing down this law that protects the George Zimmermans and Michael Dunns of our state and blocks justice for Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis. We will be redoubling our efforts in the upcoming weeks and are calling on the millions of Floridians who share our commitment to join us in turning the tide.

We have not a moment to waste. We must end Stand Your Ground in Florida.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largestnonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer”.